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BLOG: How Nelson will be evaluated

by
Chris Wescott
/ Edmonton Oilers

As the season continues to move towards its close and the trade deadline has passed, the Oilers continue to evaluate their roster, along with the important position of head coach. Todd Nelson wears the interim tag right now, in an audition to have that label removed at the end of the year.

General Manager Craig MacTavish was asked how Nelson would be evaluated down the stretch and it comes down to a level of consistency in play and compete, as well as they continue to respond to adversity.

“I think just level of competitiveness,” MacTavish. “I’ve said enough about how I think we’re competing. I think the coach has to be on the dial. One thing for me that’s important is when the team has a poor game, a poor showing or a poor effort, that he’s able to grab them quickly and get their performance level to a much higher level. So there’s some response there and that’s optimistic. We’re not going to make any decisions coaches or the coaching or the head coach until the season is over. I’ve been clear about that from the outset, but we’re all seeing the types of things that we’re going to need to see on a continuing basis to get into a longer term agreement with Todd.”